By Melanie Patterson

The North Jefferson News



Inspired by the generosity of a Gardendale businesswoman, a Mt. Olive couple is also helping with back-to-school items.

Steve and Sherry Mullenix, owners of The Pharmacy at Mt. Olive, will be giving away free school supplies on Aug. 5.

On the same day, Susanne Traweek of Remax Northern Properties in Gardendale is giving away free school supplies to help families with back-to-school costs.

“We heard about the real-estate agent who was helping families, and we thought we needed to get on board with that,” said Sherry Mullenix.

Mullenix said that the supplies at her store are for children from any school in north Jefferson County.

“They can come and pick and choose what they want,” she said. “They can get what they need and keep in mind that others need things too.”

The Pharmacy will be giving away glue, pencils, colored pencils, three-prong folders, filler paper, rulers, markers and more.

In order to help parents, they have schools lists available for most of the grades at nearby Mt. Olive Elementary. Any items left over will be donated to Mt. Olive Elementary.

“We hear so many stories of people who just don’t have the money,” said Mullenix. “This is another way of giving back to the community.”

The Pharmacy also provides a scholarship every year to graduating high-school seniors who are going into a health-related field.

So far, the business has provided two $500 scholarships.

“We just believe in education for the kids,” Mullenix said. “We want to give them a little push.”

A civic group in Warrior is also getting in on the act of helping with school supplies.

Members of the Warrior Civitan Club will be buying school supplies and donating them directly to Warrior Elementary School, according to club president Jackie Wesson. The club will not give items directly to students or parents.

Parents can pick up the free school supplies at The Pharmacy, located at 2660 Mt. Olive Road, on Aug. 5 from 8:30 until 6 p.m. while supplies last.

Traweek’s give-away at 1720 Decatur Highway, also on Aug. 5, is scheduled from 8-11 a.m.